Weikersheim Palace. As beautiful now as it was then.

One of the highlights along the Romantic Road is Weikersheim Palace. The ancestral seat of the Hohenlohe dynasty is considered a superb example of a country residence.

In the 16th century, Count Wolfgang II inherited Weikersheim after a division of estates and made it his main home. He had the moated castle converted into a magnificent Renaissance palace, whose splendid rooms have been preserved with their furnishings. Aside from the large chandelier and the Lambris painting added in the 18th century, the banqueting hall remains in its original state. Princess Elisabeth Friederike Sophie's audience room was known as the 'beautiful room' because of its exquisite furnishings. The baroque interior and palace garden date from 1710. The garden in particular with its axial arrangement and many statues exemplifies the baroque style. A permanent exhibition on the theme of alchemy is on display in the former palace kitchen, enabling visitors to discover more about Count Wolfgang II von Hohenlohe and his alchemy laboratory. The double-winged, arcaded orangery from 1723 has a total length of just under 100 metres and marks the point where the palace garden takes over from the untamed surrounding nature. An elaborate series of sculpted figures adorns the garden at Weikersheim Palace. This 'garden kingdom' includes the four seasons, the four elements and the four winds, the gods of the planets around the Hercules fountain, a number of other classical gods and a 'court' of dwarfs. Nearby attractions: Wertheim Castle from 1192 is one of the oldest castle ruins in Baden-Württemberg. It offers breathtaking views of the town and the countryside. Messelhausen House, whose history goes back to the 13th century, once served as the royal stables for the Von Hohenlohe Counts. In 1932, it was acquired by the Augustinian order.